At the request of Lady Rhea, Presea accompanied Byleth to the audience chamber. She was puzzled as to why the archbishop wanted her to attend, as well, but she didn't go against the request.

Presea entered the audience chamber with her professor, approaching Lady Rhea and Seteth. The archbishop greeted them both with a gentle smile. "I am glad you both were able to make it. I have a new mission for you both. I would like for the students of the Golden Deer to depart for the Kingdom territory to eliminate some thieves."

"They stole a Hero's Relic from House Gautier of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus–the Lance of Ruin," Seteth elaborates. "Their leader's name is Miklan. He is apparently a disowned son of House Gautier."

"That's...Sylvain's older brother, isn't it?" Presea asked.

Seteth nodded. "Indeed, it is."

"Why was he disowned?" Byleth wondered.

"I believe it had something to do with his lack of a Crest. Such happenings are fairly common within the Kingdom."

"How terrible," Presea muttered sorrowfully.

"The Crestless cannot unleash the goddess' power, even if they possess a Relic," the archbishop explains. "Nonetheless, they are still capable of simply wielding those weapons."

"The Heroes' Relics are immensely powerful weapons. We must meet this threat with adequate force. Unfortunately, most of the Knights of Seiros are away from the monastery purging the apostates of the Western Church. So we are entrusting you both with this mission. After all, you wield the Sword of the Creator, which is more than capable of opposing any Relic and the powerful magic of a Pterolykos will ensure its safe return to its proper owner," Seteth stated.

"The Sword of the Creator is a powerful weapon, well beyond the other Relics. And Presea's abilities as a Pterolykos is a divine blessing which I hope will help you achieve victory. You have nothing to fear. However, to ensure that no harm comes to the students, we will also send the monastery's most skilled individuals to aid you."

Before Byleth or Presea could depart, Seteth addresses the professor. "I must remind you that you are expected to conduct yourself in a manner befitting the wielder of that holy sword. Also, you should know that Professor Hanneman has been looking for you. That is all."

Parting ways with Byleth, Presea meandered to the greenhouse for a few minutes to check on the dahlias before heading to the entrance hall. There, she found Claude leaning against the wall, fiddling with the bracelet she made for him with a smile plastered on his face.

Seeing him admire her gift made a giddy grin appear on her face. The heels of her shoes were muffled as she walked across the carpet toward him. Even when she was only a few feet away, he didn't detect her presence. When she stood directly in front of him, she cleared her throat to grab his attention.

Tearing his eyes away from his newly acquired accessory, Claude lifted his head and spotted Presea. He greeted her with his usual goofy smile as he lowered his arm. "Ah, there's the Golden Deer's princess."

"I'm nowhere near a princess," Presea remarks. "Marianne or Lysithea would make a better princess than me."

"I'm the house leader so I get to decide who's the princess. Therefore, you have no say in the matter," he winked with a grin. "Sorry, Princess."

"I swear..." she groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose with closed eyes.

Claude chuckled before his smile vanished when he saw Byleth approaching. He quickly falsified a smile to hide his true feelings about the events that prospered during their last mission. "Hey, Teach. I gotta say, I never would've guessed you were a descendant of the King of Liberation. You didn't forget, did you? That story I told you about a Relic that could cut a mountain in half? That Relic was the Sword of the Creator! The very same used by Nemesis, the King of Liberation."

"I'm not his descendant," Byleth argues.

"Don't be coy, Teach. The Sword of the Creator could only be wielded by Nemesis. If you can use it, too, that can only mean you have that bloodline's Crest."

Byleth's gaze narrowed. "I don't understand."

Claude sighed. "Fine, keep your secrets. But just so you know, "I don't understand" isn't gonna cut it here at the monastery. Speaking of, Professor Hanneman has been looking for you. He probably wants to examine your Crest with those crazy instruments of his. Actually...sounds amusing. Maybe we'll tag along."

Presea pinches his cheek while frowning. "Y'know, you're supposed to respect your superiors. Even though we're all around the same age, he is our professor."

"Hey, quit pulling!" Claude whimpered in pain. He grabbed her hand and pried her fingers from his cheek. Even after lowering her hand from his face, he didn't let go of it.

Out of the blue, the trio was joined by a familiar face. "If it isn't my little Claude and adorable Presea! What have you both so worked up?"

Claude's eyes widen as he gasped, releasing Presea's hand in shock. "Judith?! What are you doing here?"

"This truly is a wonderful surprise," Presea beamed at the older woman.

"I miss that politeness of yours, Presea." Then, she glared at Claude. "And that's Lady Judith to you, boy. I told you, until you're in charge, I expect you to address me with all due respect. You could learn a thing or two from Presea. Anyway, I'm here to retrieve you both. Duke Riegan's condition has taken a turn for the worse."

"Are you saying the old man's on his death bed?" The brunette asked with a hint of concern.

Judith denied it. "No, it's not that bad. But in the state he's in, he won't be able to participate in the next roundtable conference. He wants you both to go in his stead. I volunteered to play the messenger."

"Well, thanks for that." Claude noted the flabbergasted expression on Byleth's face and decided to clear the air. "Oh, and Teach, this is Judith. Also known as the Hero of House Daphnel."

"So you're little Claude's and darling Presea's teacher, are you? How much trouble has he been giving you? On the other hand, I know Presea's been the perfect angel because she's always been the complete opposite of him."

Byleth smirked. "He's given me plenty of trouble."

Claude chose to ignore his professor and gave more information about Judith. "If her nickname didn't give it away, you should know that Judith...er, Lady Judith is the leader of the famous House Daphnel of the Leicester Alliance. She used to be a big deal at the roundtable conferences, but it seems of late she's been reduced to a mere–"

"You had better shut that mouth before I put my boot in it, you tactless nuisance!" Judith growled, silencing Claude. "Now come on. Let's get going. Sorry, Professor, but I need to borrow them for a bit."

"I suppose we'll have to finish our chat later. Sorry, Teach. But don't you worry. We'll be back in time for our next mission," Claude informed Byleth before addressing the older woman. "All right, Judith. Let's get going." He grabbed ahold of Presea's hand, who cried out in surprise as she was dragged out of the entrance hall.

"It's Lady... Ah, I suppose you are the active leader for the time being," Judith sighed as she watched the two walk off. "Fair enough, boy. Fair enough." She follows after them and catches up with ease.

<—————<<<<<

On the 24th of the Verdant Rain Moon, Presea found herself back at the monastery. She was no longer needed in the Leicester Alliance and Judith escorted her back to Garreg Mach at Claude's demand, who was still attending to matters in his grandfather's stead. He wanted her to stay, but Judith insisted she return to the monastery to prevent from distracting him. The young girl was slightly hurt by her words, but she knew it was the truth.

Another day passed by and Presea found herself in the greenhouse tending to the dahlias she planted. As she was watering them, Edelgard approached and addressed her. "Ah, Presea. I heard of your return to the monastery. Would you join me for tea? There is something I would like to discuss with you."

Presea was never one to deny a tea invitation, but the only person she didn't wish to enjoy a cup of tea with is Jeritza. He had approached her once she returned to the monastery and set a date for their tea party. Being the kind-hearted soul she is, Presea agreed and he vanished.

Pulling herself out of her thoughts, Presea met Edelgard's gaze and nodded with her usual smile. "I'd love to, Edelgard." She pushed herself off the ground and followed the heiress to the courtyard.

They sat down and took a few sips of their warm tea before Edelgard got straight to the point of why she invited Presea to tea. "I am well aware of how protective Claude is of you, which is understandable. But, I invited you to tea today in hopes to persuade you in joining the Black Eagles on a mission."

"What mission?" Presea pried, placing her cup of tea down on the small saucer with a 'clank'.

"We have been tasked with annihilating a group of mysterious figures spotted in the outskirts of Garreg Mach."

A feeling of hope bubbled in Presea's chest at hearing the contents of the mission. She couldn't pass up the opportunity, wondering if the mysterious group were the ones who slaughtered her people. "Yes. I'll accompany the Black Eagles on their mission."

Edelgard smiles in relief. "I'm glad to hear of your cooperation. We will depart tomorrow at noon."

The two girls finish their tea and treats before going their separate ways.

Presea then wandered around the monastery aimlessly. She pondered when Claude would be back and if he would've approved of her joining another house for a mission. Shaking her head, she cleansed her thoughts. She knew she didn't need Claude's permission for everything because she was her own person and wouldn't allow another person to dictate her life. Ridding her mind of all thoughts of Claude, she focused on tomorrow's mission.

<—————<<<<<

By the time noon rolled around on the 25th, the Black Eagles and Presea left the monastery to complete their mission. Unbeknownst to the group, they had missed Claude's return by only a few minutes.

The Golden Deer house leader exhaled a heavy sigh as he headed to the reception hall. He found Lorenz standing beside one of the tables, seemingly to be deep in thought. He called out to him, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Hey, Lorenz."

Said boy lifted his gaze from the floor and eyed him. "Oh, Claude. We weren't expecting your return so soon. A few more days, perhaps."

"You really didn't miss me?" Claude asked.

"It was quiet and everyone was able to enjoy their meals without suffering from any strange side effects. So...no."

"Ouch..." Claude groans from hearing Lorenz's brutal honesty. "Anyway, where's Presea?"

"Of course... She is always the first one you ask for," Lorenz muttered. "Unfortunately, you just missed her."

"Missed her?" Claude echoed.

"Yes. She is accompanying the Black Eagles on a mission. They left only moments ago."

"Oh, well..." Claude responds, hiding his true feelings behind a fake smile which was something he was used to doing to everyone around him besides Presea. "Guess I'll have to wait for her to return."

The second Claude left the reception hall, his fake smile shattered. His footsteps hastened as he headed for the entrance hall. He rushed down the stairs and to the market, deciding to wait for his best friend to return. To try and take his mind off Presea, he browsed the multiple stalls.

In reality, Claude wound up staring at a box brimming with peaches for what felt like hours. He came upon them as he was walking through the market. The second his eyes laid upon them, he sighed and picked one up. His thoughts immediately were filled with Presea and put down the fruit with yet another sigh.

Now bored, Claude gave up on browsing the marketplace and leant against a barrel with sacks of turnips stacked on top. His eyes were trained on the front gate, his frown deepening as time passed by.

A couple hours ticked by and Claude hadn't budged an inch from where he stood. A few students asked if he was all right, which he simply responded with his falsified smile. But one person wasn't fooled by his deceptive smile—Hilda.

"Geez, Claude. Why're you moping around in the market?" Hilda asked after having her weapon repaired for the upcoming mission. "You're kinda bringing everyone down around you. Does this have anything to do with Pressy? You only get this depressed when she's not around."

The house leader glanced at the warrior. "What? I'm not—"

The front gate opened, grabbing their attention and halting Claude's excuse.

The Black Eagles enter the monastery after completing their mission. Edelgard and Presea lingered behind in the market while the other students went their separate ways. The lilac-eyed girl stared down at the bandage wrapped around Presea's upper right arm. "I am grateful for your actions today, Presea. If you had not been there..."

"No need to think about what could've happened. It's in the past now. I'm just glad you're not hurt," Presea said to soothe Edelgard.

"I fear Claude will not be happy with me once he returns and sees your injury."

"It'll be fine. I explain everything to Claude once—"

"Explain what to me?"

Both girls jumped when they heard Claude's voice. Edelgard blocked Presea's wound, knowing she wasn't ready to tell the brunette the truth just yet. "Our mission was a success, but they were not the priests Presea was searching for."

Unbeknownst to the girls, Claude was already aware of what they were hiding, but he decided to play dumb. "So, that's why you tagged along."

"Yes," Presea admits, turning her body slightly to hide her entire right arm.

Claude suddenly reached out and grabbed her left hand, pulling her away from Edelgard with a slightly terrifying smile. "Could I talk to you in private?" Presea didn't even get to answer before he tugged her away from Edelgard and left the market.

When they reached the stables, Claude pulled Presea into the alleyway located between the stables and entrance hall. He didn't say a word as he exchanged her left hand for her right one. He lifted it, staring at the bandage wound around her bicep with a grim expression.

Presea tried to tug her hand out of Claude's, but he only tightened his grasp. It wasn't enough to hurt her and she decided to allow him to keep holding her hand. "It's only a scratch."

"If it was, there wouldn't be the need for a bandage," he sighs, unwrapping the dressing from her arm. He saw the large tear in her uniform and how it was outlined with blood. Peering through the hole in her garment, he examined the wound. It wasn't deep, but it would require proper care. He knew she couldn't use healing spells on herself, which made him question why one of the Black Eagles didn't heal her. Deciding to stave his anger, he wrapped the gauze back around her bicep. "Remember when you told me that I could tell you anything?"

Presea nodded, staring into his emerald eyes. "Yes."

"Well..." He tightened the bandage carefully. "That goes for you, too. You can tell me anything and I'll always listen."

She looked away, the guilt gnawing at her for trying to hide her injury. "I'm sorry for trying to conceal my wound."

"I'm just glad it isn't life-threatening. Just make sure to go see Professor Manuela or Marianne so it can be healed properly." Brazenly, Claude cupped his index finger under her chin and tilted her head upward. He gazed softly into her cerulean eyes with a smirk. "How about you make it up to me by having dinner with me?"

"I'm not really sure if it's considered payback if it's something we practically do every day."

"It is if I consider it payback."

Presea huffed out a small chuckle. "All right, then. Let's grab some dinner."

<——————<<<<<

The end of the month arrived and the Golden Deer depart from Garreg Mach. They entered the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and marched toward Conand Tower alongside Gilbert, the knight Lady Rhea had appointed to accompany them.

Near the tower, Claude, Presea, and Byleth stop. The house leader gazes at the mighty stone structure. "Say, Teach, Pres. This must be the tower, don't you think? Even for a tower, it's pretty...er, towering."

"What did you expect?" Presea scoffed. "It's a tower. It's going to have more than two flights of stairs. I hope you can handle the trek."

Claude looked over at his best friend with an amused smirk. "Are you doubting my ability to conquer two flights of stairs?"

"No. I'm just doubting your ability to conquer the multitude of stairs inside the tower."

Byleth promptly reverted the conversation to keep his students on topic. "It would prove difficult to attack."

"It's a remnant of ancient wars..." The brunette explains. "These thieves certainly found themselves a great place to nest. I hear their leader, Miklan, is a former noble. It makes sense he would already know about this place."

"Being disowned by your family simply because you do not possess a Crest is despicable, but we have our orders to deal with Miklan," Presea said.

Gilbert soon joined the trio after hearing their conversation. "Several hundred years ago, this was an important stronghold for diffusing invasions from the north. Back then, this tower was built for both surveillance and defense. It will be difficult to seize it."

"Gilbert, isn't it? You hail from the Kingdom, right?" The house leader inquired. "No wonder you're so knowledgeable. While we're chatting so amicably... Do you mind if I ask some questions?"

"I don't mind. If I can answer them, I will."

The younger boy didn't spare a second before asking his first question. "Have you ever seen the Lance of Ruin?"

Gilbert nodded. "I have. A long time ago. It was an impressive, if not eerily ominous, weapon to behold. According to Margrave Gautier, Miklan has used the lance to turn the tables on his pursuers."

"Is that right? Then those without a Crest can use it as well... Interesting. As far as I knew, that wasn't possible. And then we have the mythical Sword of the Creator, which can't be used by anyone except Teach, Crest or no Crest." Claude eyes the professor, hiding his true emotions with his usual iron mask that was forged by his fake smile myriads of years ago. "Maybe you're just that special, Teach. Or maybe there's something you're not telling us. Either way, I expect great things from you in this battle."

Byleth shook his head. "I'm relying on you and Presea, Claude."

"Are you now? Then why don't you hand over the Sword of the Creator for a bit?" The house leader suggested, earning a pinch on the cheek from Presea. He winces in pain and she let go as he finished his thought. "Then again, it would just be a heavy blade in my hands. There's no justice in this world, Teach."

Presea suddenly felt something cold splash on her nose. She looked up at the sky, seeing the dark clouds above. Squinting, she felt more raindrops begin to fall and the sound of thunder. "It seems we'll be caught up in this storm."

Then, it began raining harder and the sky illuminated with lightning. Claude grumbled in disfavor of the storm. "Ugh, the rain is really coming down now. Let's finish this quickly."

The Golden Deer and Gilbert rush into Conand Tower. The rumbling of thunder and bright flashes of lightning filled their senses as they trekked up the numerous flights of stairs to reach the top.

Halfway to the top, Presea suddenly came to a halt. Her eyes were wide and her body was petrified. She could smell the bandits and Miklan from their current positions, but something else was effecting her body. A cold sweat then took over her body and she nearly collapsed down the stairs.

"Whoa there, Princess." Claude caught her in his arms before she could tumble backwards down the stairs. "You suddenly froze. Are you all right?"

With her back pressed against his chest, Presea scanned the stone stairwell for any hint that would help her explain. "I-I don't know what came over me. All I feel is...fear. I'm unsure what's causing such a feeling."

"Whatever it is, it can't be good." Claude helped her regain her balance and only released her when he was positive she wasn't going to fall. "Think you can handle some more stairs?"

She nodded, her body returning to normal temperature. "Yes. I'll be fine." Claude believed her, but he remained by her side as they climbed the rest of the tower's stairs.

Once near the top floor, the group could spot a few bandits above. Gilbert gripped his shield and axe with determination. "The enemy is close by. We're almost to the top floor."

Claude puffed out a sigh as he caught his breath from the long trek. "Phew, why did we have to climb so high before a battle? At least it's better than fighting in heavy rain."

"At least it'll be easier going down," Presea comments.

The house leader nodded with a chuckle. "Very true."

"Okay, no more flirting!" Hilda said, wielding her own axe.

"Flirting?" Claude and Presea ask in unison.

The warrior rolled her eyes. "Ugh, never mind!"

With that, the group circled around, taking out enemies left and right as they made their way to the top floor. When more bandits emerged from the lower levels in an attempt to surround the group, Presea transformed and flew back to the stairs, killing them with a single spell. As she guarded the stairs and annihilated any bandits that came from the lower levels, her ears detected Miklan's shout. "I'll kill every last one of you!"

Seeing as there were no more bandits coming up the stairs, Presea flew as fast as she could to reach her companions. On arrival, she saw Lorenz facing off against Miklan. Marianne healed her friends as Ignatz and Leonie took out the bandits that tried to attack them.

Miklan pushed Lorenz back, causing Byleth and Claude to join forces and take him down. One of the house leader's arrows finished off the bandit chief. He jumps back with a grunt, glaring at the Golden Deer. A bright flash of lightning enters through the crumbling ceiling, illuminating Miklan's figure. "Not bad for your kind... A bunch of spoiled rotten children."

All of a sudden, the Lance of Ruin's Crest Stone begins to glow with a red light. The fear Presea felt earlier rose in her chest, forcing her to stumble backward as she was knocked out of her transformation and watched a black and red substance emerge from the stone. Miklan cries out and looks down to see the substance beginning to consume his arm. "What the hell?!" He tries to yank the substance off his body, but it quickly engulfs his arms and body. He screams and struggles as the rest of the bandits watch. The Crest Stone pulses once again before the substance consumes Miklan and enters into his body through his eyes.

Seeing their boss being consumed, a bandit stares in fear at the scene before dashing off. "Damn! Look at that... I'm outta here!"

"Hold on!" Another bandit tried to stop him, but fails.

Following suit, the bandits begin running away. Miklan is now completely engulfed in the black and red substance. His body grows and the substance is cast aside to reveal a large monster. One of the bandits falls backwards and watches in horror as the beast advances toward him. "No!" He cries out just before the monster grabs and kills him. The beast throws the dead body aside and turns its attention to the Golden Deer and Gilbert. It rises to its full height and howls.

Everyone was in shock after seeing what the Relic has done to Miklan. Claude frowned as he stared at the monster. "How awful... So the Heroes' Relics are hiding a terrible power within. I can't even tell friend from foe anymore. I feel for him, but...the best we can do now is—"

"Professor! Claude!" Lysithea shouted, grabbing everyone's attention. "There's something wrong with Presea!"

Everyone turned toward said girl and saw her eyes were glowing, but they saw no emotion in them. She pushed past her friends, heading straight for the monster. While passing Byleth, she grabbed the dagger secured in its sheath attached to his waist before continuing her approach. The professor gasped before trying to grab her in hopes to stop her, but Claude held him back. "I don't know what's going on, but it might be better to not touch her right now."

"It's like she's in some weird trance," Leonie said.

"Claude, do something!" Hilda shouted. "You're not going to make her fight that thing alone, are you?!"

"As Claude stated, it might be best for us to stave our hands for the time being," Lorenz said.

"I can't believe you two! What if she's—?!" Lysithea was interrupted by a ferocious growl.

All eyes were focused on the monster as it barreled toward Presea. Claude felt his fingers twitch involuntarily seeing his best friend walking head-first into danger. He wanted to fire an arrow, but something inside him told him to leave the beast to the girl. Raphael tried to dash forward and provide support, but both Byleth and Claude stopped him.

With the dagger in her hand, Presea calmly met the monster halfway in her trance-like state. The small blade then began radiating with a faint golden light. She didn't even bat an eyelid as she nimbly dodged the beast's attack and sliced at it. The dagger cut deep, causing the beast to cry out in pain. It swung its claws at her, but she ducked underneath the appendage and sliced upward, creating a long and deep wound from the monster's foot to its upper leg. Blood gushed from the severe wound, forcing the beast to back away from Presea.

Seeing the fear in its eyes, she dashed forward and decided to finish it off. She leapt onto its head, shoving the dagger into one of its crimson eyes. The magic surrounding the blade discharged, bolts of lighting ricocheting out of the monster's head and silencing it for good. She leapt off its body just as it reverted back to the Lance of Ruin and the corpse of Miklan.

Presea blinked a few times, her cerulean eyes returning to normal. She looked down at the body of Miklan, wondering what happened. She turned to her companions with a baffled expression. "What happened?"

"You...don't know?" Lysithea asked with her own confusion. "Presea, you..."

"You are the one who slew the beast," Gilbert informed her.

"What?" Her eyes widen in horror. She then glanced down at her hands and noticed the blood on them. She dropped the dagger, backing away from the corpse and Relic. "I-I did this?"

Claude slowly approached her, afraid she might storm off. When he reached her, he placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it. "It was either him or us. You just kind of beat the rest of us to the punch."

Presea seemed to calm down at Claude's words and sighed. "I know there was no other way but to kill him, but...how did I do this?"

"No clue, but maybe we should ask Lady Rhea. She must have an explanation."

Presea nodded and followed Claude out of Conand Tower ahead of the others.

<——————<<<<

Back at Garreg Mach, Presea immediately discusses what happened at Conand Tower with Lady Rhea. She knew the archbishop was withholding the truth and wouldn't stand idly by as she was lied to. "Please, Lady Rhea, tell me! I don't know what happened and it frightens me. Why did my body react in such a way and how come I can't remember what I did?"

Lady Rhea looked down at the floor with a melancholic gaze. No longer wishing to keep Presea in the dark about her race, she decided to speak the truth. "Regardless if you yourself believe in the legend of your own people or not, it doesn't change the fact that Pterolykoses were messengers for the progenitor god. Not only were they messengers, but they were also her loyal friends and allies. Your people also lived amongst the Children of the Goddess."

Presea was more puzzled than before. "What does this have to do with what happened to me at Conand Tower?"

"What I am about to tell you must never be shared with others. You are forbidden to speak of such a tale with your fellow students and professor."

The young girl was now more nervous than frightened. "Yes, I promise. Just please, don't leave any details out. I've been waiting many years to hear the truth about my people."

"Of course, my child." The archbishop inhaled deeply before continuing. "Pterolykoses swore an oath to protect the Children of the Goddess and the goddess herself. The Children of the Goddess and Pterolykoses shared a deep, unwavering bond. Eventually, both your people and the Children were targeted and slaughtered at Zanado by Nemesis and his army. A few Pterolykoses were able to escape while the rest were killed. With the bodies of the goddess' children, Nemesis and the Ten Elites used their bones to forge the Heroes' Relics and their hearts into Crest Stones."

"Miklan was unable to wield the Lance of Ruin due to the lack of a Crest," Seteth began. "Therefore, the Crest Stone reacted and consumed him. What you experienced at Conand Tower was a reaction. The Crest Stone called out to you and the bond between the Children and Pterolykoses was awakened within your blood. Your natural instinct was to protect the Crest Stone and the only way to do that was to kill Miklan."

Presea summarized the details to make sure she understood. "My body reacted because the Crest Stone, the heart of one the goddess' children, called out to me because it knew it was in danger?"

Lady Rhea nodded. "Yes. Unfortunately, I am unable to explain why your memory wasn't intact after coming out of such a defensive state."

"It won't happen again, will it?"

"Only if someone without a Crest tries to wield a Heroes' Relic, I believe," Seteth replied. "Do know this, Presea—in such a state, you are able to determine friend from foe. There is nothing to fear if you are drawn back into the trance. You will not injure those you deem as allies."

She nodded, her heart still feeling heavy. "Yes. Thank you, Seteth, Lady Rhea." She bowed politely before leaving the audience chamber. Now knowing the truth about her people and the Heroes' Relics, her own worry only skyrocketed. She now contained knowledge that is forbidden to all of Garreg Mach and the entirety of Fódlan. She abhorred the thought of lying to Claude and her friends, but she had no other choice.

Presea leant against the doors of the audience chamber, her hands resting on the wood. She leant forward, placing her forehead on one of the doors as her nails bore into the wood.

"Hey," Claude greeted her as he entered the hallway from the stairwell. He noticed she didn't budge and began to worry. "Did something happen? You're really pale."

The ivory-haired girl pushed herself off the door and smiled feebly at him. "Not even Lady Rhea knows what happened to me. I don't know whether I should be more concerned or relieved."

Fortunately, Claude couldn't see through her lie. "I wouldn't worry about it. You should probably go rest. You're white as a sheet."

She nodded. "Yes, you're right. I'll be in my room if you need me." Claude smiled at her before heading to the library. Once he was out of sight, she headed down the stairs and to the dormitory.

Before she could reach her room, she was stopped by Jeritza. She wondered what he wanted until she remembered this was the day she promised to have tea with him. Wondering if she should postpone, she greeted him. "Hello, Jeritza."

He remained silent as he took note of her pale complexion. "Tea will do wonders..."

It was true tea always lifted Presea's mood. Seeing that she could rest afterward, she nodded. "Yes. Let's enjoy some tea."

<—————<<<<

While enjoying tea with Jeritza, Presea felt the familiar eerie aura surrounding the masked man. She wondered why she felt such a way and she never could dismiss it. When she suddenly felt a wave of dizziness, she stood from her chair with a cold sweat. "I-I'm terribly sorry, Jeritza. I'm not feeling all that well. If you'll excuse me..."

"Of course..." He blandly replies.

Presea left the courtyard and stumbled to her room. On the way to the dormitory, a couple of students asked if she needed help, but she turned them down. She tumbled into her room and caught herself on the edge of her desk. She could feel her heart racing as her vision was slowly being consumed by darkness. She turned her head and looked at her bed. Seconds later, she fell to the floor and knocked off everything on her desk in the process. Then, her entire world went dark.